North-west Frontier of Rome: A Military Study of Hadrian’s Wall by David Divine hits the £1 shelf in my shop.
MacDonald, 1969, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Colour Photographs; Black & White Drawings; Maps;
From the cover: Hadrians Wall is the most important surviving memorial to the military power of Rome. In the brilliance of its original concept, in the monumental character of its construction, it is altogether superior to the defended frontiers of Germany, of the Drobruja, and of North Africa. Essentially designed for the offensive-defensive, France might profitably have studied it in the planning of the ill-fated Maginot Line.
Mr. Divines historical outline of the Wall is clear and concise. It is, as well, a history of the Roman occupation of Britain through the four centuries of its existence. Examining the Wall as a military critic, he attacks tradition vigorously. It is his claim that the Wall was a military triumph but a political disaster. The failure to pacify the Caledones produced a military situation which compelled the establishment of a strongly defended frontier. The maintenance of that frontier, with its disproportionate garrison, upset the economic balance of the Province. The very excellence of the Wall itself ensured prolonged periods of idleness in its garrison. Mr. Divines book is an impressive study of a Province militarily uncertain, politically unstable, and economically unviable. It is a provocative assault on traditional beliefs, and it provides not only detailed and invaluable information as to the Wall itself but a new insight into the Roman achievement.
Good+ in Good+ Dust Wrapper. Dust wrapper a little faded with a heavy pull, with closed tears, to the foot of the upper panel and the date in pen to the top corner of the same. Leans slightly. Previous owners’ inscription to the first blank. Text complete, clean and tight but a little age-tanned.
Black boards with Gilt titling to the Spine.
244 pages. Index. 8¾” x 5½”.
This book will be listed, sooner or later, for £6.50 on my delightful website… (added to my History British category.) but get 50% off buying from my blog… below…
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